Dairy Free Shrimp Salad with Avocado and Cilantro
This bright, zesty salad is the kind of dish that feels like a restaurant plate but comes together with minimal effort and a handful of fresh ingredients. Plump poached shrimp get tossed with creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, punchy red onion, and a generous handful of cilantro — all tied together with a cumin-spiked lime and olive oil dressing that's bold without being heavy. Because every component here is naturally free of dairy, there's no swapping or substituting required; the recipe just works as written. The lime juice does double duty, brightening the whole bowl while keeping the avocado looking fresh and vibrant. A touch of red pepper flakes and optional jalapeño give it a gentle heat that plays beautifully against the richness of the avocado. It's the kind of salad that disappears fast at a summer gathering, but it's easy enough to make on a weeknight when you want something light and satisfying without turning on the oven.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 ½ lb large shrimp (21–25 count), peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more for the poaching water
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 2 ripe avocados, pitted, peeled, and cut into ¾-inch cubes
- 1 english cucumber, halved lengthwise and sliced into half-moons
- ⅓ cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Fill a medium saucepan with water, season generously with salt, and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes, until opaque throughout and curled into a loose C-shape. Drain through a colander and spread on a plate to cool for 10 minutes.
- 2
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cumin, 1 tsp kosher salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and garlic until combined.
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